Colorado Springs vs Fort Collins: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,433 | $134,826▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.64 | $64.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,381▲ | $85,988 |
| 25th Percentile | $125,340▲ | $111,043 |
| 75th Percentile | $145,978 | $156,592▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,806 | $179,806▲ |
| Total Employed | 470▲ | 210 |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Colorado Springs.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Fort Collins is $393 (0.29%). Fort Collins's median is -1.49% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Colorado Springs spans $69,425,Fort Collins spans $93,818. Fort Collins has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Colorado Springs ($133,489 effective) pays 0.13% more than Fort Collins ($133,322 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,489)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,826/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($179,806)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Colorado Springs grew 29.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.6% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$100,100 (2019) → $129,950 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$109,900 (2019) → $130,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Colorado Springs or Fort Collins?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Fort Collins?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Fort Collins as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Colorado Springs vs Fort Collins?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov